The
electronic billboard that has stood outside of Murphy Center’s official
entrance since the mid-1980’s was taken down in recent weeks as construction
crews continue upgrades along Middle Tennessee Boulevard.

University
planning staff are considering various options for installing updated
digital signage on or around Murphy Center in the future. Best alternatives
should become clearer as the new streetscape around Murphy progresses toward
completion in fall 2018, officials said.

MTSU
is also losing part of three outdoor tennis courts during construction,
with remaining courts to be back in operation by fall. The university’s tennis
court capacity has been supplemented by the Adams Indoor Tennis Complex at Old
Fort Park.

Work
on upgrades around the President’s House is also progressing.
Renovations include a turnaround plaza on the south side of the house and a
garden area on the east side. The changes were approved by the Tennessee
Historical Commission.

The
30-month, $15.7 million widening project will upgrade the .8-mile section of
the thoroughfare between East Main and Greenland Drive. The city of
Murfreesboro is overseeing the work.

The
project will reconstruct the existing roadway to a consistent four-lane divided
street with a landscaped median. It will include bike lanes, improved sidewalks
and lighting, new traffic signals, decorative crosswalks, landscaping and
underground utilities.

MTSU
officials have said they expect at least one lane of traffic will always be
open in both directions throughout construction, but access to parking and
traffic flow on the roadway will continue to be affected throughout the
project.

Pedestrians and
motorists are being asked to pay close attention to signs posted along the
route, as well as other vehicles and people traveling on foot and by
bicycle, to ensure safety. The city is sharing project updates through an
interactive online map at www.murfreesborotn.gov/mtbas
well as via the Twitter